Theme 01: Ecophysiology of Grasslands
Description
The formation of dormant buds is critical to the summer survival of phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) in pastures. Dormant buds are formed on the base of reproductive tillers as they develop in spring. This project aimed to determine the seasonal pattern of dormant bud development and the influence of grazing management on bud dynamics. Approximately three buds per reproductive tiller were formed in the spring and early summer period. These buds responded to summer rainfall, with one third of buds becoming active following a 15-mm rainfall event in mid summer. In the following growing season, on average, 1.5 buds per tiller produced new tillers and 1.25 buds remained dormant. A small, and decreasing, number of buds became active throughout the growing season. Less than two percent of buds died during the growing season. Grazing management had no effect on bud production and development.
Included in
Dormant Bud Development in Phalaris aquatica L.
The formation of dormant buds is critical to the summer survival of phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) in pastures. Dormant buds are formed on the base of reproductive tillers as they develop in spring. This project aimed to determine the seasonal pattern of dormant bud development and the influence of grazing management on bud dynamics. Approximately three buds per reproductive tiller were formed in the spring and early summer period. These buds responded to summer rainfall, with one third of buds becoming active following a 15-mm rainfall event in mid summer. In the following growing season, on average, 1.5 buds per tiller produced new tillers and 1.25 buds remained dormant. A small, and decreasing, number of buds became active throughout the growing season. Less than two percent of buds died during the growing season. Grazing management had no effect on bud production and development.
